Abstract: A leak control device includes a reservoir fluidly coupled with a brake pipe of a vehicle brake system. The leak control device also includes a conduit fluidly coupled with the reservoir and having an orifice that directs fluid out of the reservoir at a leak rate. The leak control device includes a valve fluidly coupled with and disposed between the reservoir and the conduit. The valve may open and direct the fluid out of the reservoir and out of the vehicle brake system at the leak rate responsive to a pressure of the fluid in the brake pipe being no less than a pressure of the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A flapper assembly for an aspirator system includes a flapper plate and a valve assembly. The flapper plate defines a first plurality of apertures. The valve assembly includes a first valve plate disposed over the first plurality of apertures and a first pressure relief assembly arranged to move the first valve plate relative to the flapper plate.

Abstract: A lift device includes a lifting mast having a top, and a drive assembly for moving the lifting mast in lifting and lowering directions. A head is positioned above and over the top of the lifting mast, and is mounted to the lifting mast for displacement between a neutral position and a safe position with respect to the lifting mast in response to the head contact encountering an object above the top of the lifting mast and the head. The drive assembly is enabled for moving of the lifting mast in the lifting and lowering directions in the neutral position of the head, the drive assembly is enabled for moving the lifting mast in the lowering direction in the safe position of the head, and the drive assembly is disabled for moving the lifting mast in the lifting direction in the safe position of the head.

Abstract: A method and system releases a spring parking brake of an anchored machine. A hydraulic fluid source is provided. A towing force is applied to the anchored machine, and the applied towing force is sensed by a sensor. The sensor sends a signal to a hydraulic fluid source control device. The hydraulic fluid source control device causes hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid source to be supplied to the spring parking brake to release the spring parking brake.

Abstract: A remote control system for controlling movement of a train comprises one or more sensors positioned relative to a railroad track for detecting the presence of a lead railcar on the track being pushed by a remotely controllable locomotive. The one or more sensors are spaced a distance from a predetermined stop location of a lead railcar and transmit signals when the lead railcar is detected on the track. A programmable controller positioned off-board or wayside receives signals from the one or more sensors and is in radio communication with an onboard operating system of the locomotive. The controller transmits a signal to the locomotive when the lead railcar is detected by a sensor, and in response to the signal the operating system of the locomotive sets a maximum speed setting for the locomotive to travel on the track toward the stop location.

Abstract: A device for use with the air braking system of a vehicle of the type in which spring operated brakes are countered by air, has valves which charge and discharge the air storage tank of a trailer and an electronic receiver which switches the valves in response to phone and GPS signals. Discharge can proceed at two different rates in order to slow the trailer initially if the signal to brake is received while the trailer is travelling. The electronic receiver is also operable by a handheld signal generation in order to release the brakes and resume trailer travel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pump system for parking brakes for a rail vehicle. The pump system includes at least one actuator, at least one pump and a reservoir as a fluid source. Also included is a manifold in fluid communication with the reservoir and the actuator. Further included are a plurality of valves and fluid paths internal to the manifold to allow fluid flow among the at least one pump and the reservoir.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pump system for parking brakes for a rail vehicle. The pump system includes at least one actuator, at least one pump and a reservoir as a fluid source. Also included is a manifold in fluid communication with the reservoir and the actuator. Further included are a plurality of valves and fluid paths internal to the manifold to allow fluid flow among the at least one pump and the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for externally controlling one or more brakes on a vehicle having a pressurized fluid braking system. The apparatus can include a pressurizable vessel that is adapted for fluid-tight coupling to the braking system. Impact to the rear of the vehicle by a pursuit vehicle, shooting a target mounted on the vehicle or sending a signal from a remote control can all result in the fluid pressures in the braking system of the vehicle being modified so that the vehicle is stopped and rendered temporarily inoperable. A control device can also be provided in the driver's compartment of the vehicle for similarly rendering the vehicle inoperable. A driver or hijacker of the vehicle preferably cannot overcome the stopping action from the driver's compartment.

Abstract: The device for automatically resetting the emergency brake on trains, allows the railway staff to maintain control over the train, above all in critical situations, so that the said train can be moved far enough to bring it out of a tunnel or a dangerous situation. The device essentially comprises a handle designed to control the brake, a rotary plate, designed to rotate under the control of the handle and a couple of levers, a main piston which slides inside a couple of chambers designed to realize the automatic resetting of the brake, a tank for storing the air to be used for resetting the device after its activation connected to the main conduit which is used to stop the train, and resetting and monitoring means.

Abstract: A control system which allows electro-pneumatic control of an equalizing reservoir with the capacity to create penalty applications in a purely pneumatic manner. A controller for the equalizing reservoir includes an electro-pneumatic source of pressure or atmosphere responsive to an electrical equalizing pressure control signal and a pilot valve selectively connecting the electro-pneumatic source or atmosphere to the equalizing reservoir in response to pressure in a pilot port of the first pilot valve. A magnetic valve is provided having a first input connected to a second source of pressure, a second input connected to atmosphere and an output connected to the pilot port of the first pilot valve. At least one penalty valve is connected to the pilot input of the first pilot valve and is responsive to a penalty signal to connect the pilot input to atmosphere. The pilot valve and the penalty valve pneumatically produce a brake application regardless of the state of the magnetic valve or its controller.

Abstract: An extension handle for a manual valve connected at its first end to the stem of the valve by a pin which extends through the extension handle, the standard handle and the valve stem. A handle bracket may be mounted to the manual valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the condition of hand brakes on railway cars and for applying and releasing railway car parking or hand brakes automatically in response to predetermined conditions including movement of a train, wayside conditioning apparatus, wayside operating mechanism, a signal controlled by an operator and performance of predetermined railway operating procedures, such as completion of an air brake test procedure. The apparatus may respond to mechanical, electrical and electronic signals and may operate on pneumatic or electric power provided from the service air brake system of a train or from a source of power outside of such air brake system.

Abstract: An emergency brake system for wheeled vehicles includes a deformable brake wedge for each tire on one of the vehicle's axles. The brake wedges are constructed and arranged to transfer substantially all braking forces to the vehicle through the vehicle's tires during emergency braking. The system also includes releasable device for allowing the brake wedges to move between inoperative and operative positions and electrically-controlled device for retaining the brake wedges in those positions. While the brake wedges move from the inoperative position to the operative position, a control system temporarily applies the vehicle brakes associated with the tires that engage the brake wedges during emergency braking.

Abstract: A brake release apparatus for a vehicle equipped with a spring-applied hydraulically-released brake system. The apparatus includes a tow hook attached to the vehicle and operably connected to a hydraulic cylinder so that a towing force on the tow hook actuates the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to transmit a hydraulic pressure to the vehicle brakes, releasing the brakes to permit towing. A spring returns the tow hook to its original position when the towing force is removed, thereby permitting the spring-activated brakes to be reapplied.

Abstract: If the driver of a vehicle becomes partially or totally incapacitated, the driver or a passenger can operate the push button of a ratcheting push button switch so as to close contacts which energize an air compressor whereby compressed air is supplied to an air cylinder adapted to actuate the existing brakes on the vehicle. A collapsible toggle linkage is connected between the brake pedal and the piston rod of the cylinder whereby the cylinder can operate the pedal without interfering with the normal operation of the pedal. Alternatively, a flexible cable is connected between the pedal and the air cylinder. As another alternative, an air cylinder is connected between the brake pedal and a pushable member for actuating the brakes. A collapsible toggle linkage is connected between the brake pedal and the body of the vehicle to limit return movement of the pedal.

Abstract: An electropneumatic locomotive brake system including an emulation routine for electronically simulating the functional operations of a relay air valve and for producing electrical output signals, an application electromagnetic and a release electromagnet receiving the electrical output signals and pneumatically controlling a J-relay air valve, a source of compressed air connected to the J-relay air valve and the application electromagnet and an air brake cylinder connected to the J-relay air valve for establishing the level of compressed air in the air brake cylinder in accordance with an automatic brake request and an independent brake request received from a brake command controller located in the cab of the locomotive.

Abstract: Emergency brake control system for towed vehicles comprising brake regulation device and a plurality of switches whereby a discrete braking force may be selected and applied to the towed vehicle brakes upon actuation by the user of one of the switches and whereby the braking force is maintained without any intervention by the user.

Abstract: A suppression control device comprises a relay valve together with respective temporary and permanent diaphragm operated circuit breakers for governing suppression of a cab signal penalty brake application that can be used with either of two principal types of locomotive braking systems as well as being adapted to automatically adjust to changes in brake pipe pressure settings of 90 psi and 110 psi.

Abstract: A brake assurance circuit via which a magnet valve device is deenergized to exhaust brake pipe pressure independently of the locomotive brake valve device in order to apply braking any time the proper operating status of the locomotive brake valve is changed after the locomotive is underway. A pressure switch responsive to the cut-in and cut-out setting of the manual selector valve associated with the brake valve senses the locomotive status and connects one of two possible circuits to the magnet valve device in parallel with a primary circuit having a speed responsive switch. Once locomotive movement is underway, the primary circuit drops out and the effective circuits selected by the pressure switch maintains the magnet valve energized provided the selected pressure switch setting is not changed.

Abstract: A brake lockout system is provided for use in conjunction with the air brake systems of heavy vehicles, such as trucks that are equipped with other air operated equipment to prevent release of a parking brake unless the air operated equipment is in a disengaged condition.

Abstract: A penalty brake application nullification-prevention system for a railroad train in which a bypass circuit is arranged in one embodiment to vent control pressure from the brake pipe cut-off valve of the locomotive brake valve, in order to prevent the engineman form improperly cutting out the brake valve to nullify a penalty brake application, by operating the brake valve cut-out selector valve. In this arrangement, the bypass circuit operates in response to operation of the penalty application valve when an unsafe operating condition of the train arises. In another embodiment, the bypass circuit is arranged to vent brake pipe pressure in parallel with the brake valve, so that, in the event the brake valve cut-out selector valve is improperly operated to nullify a penalty brake application, the penalty application will be initiated by a brake pipe reduction via the bypass circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for automatically releasing a railroad car hand brake (HB) normally maintained in its applied position. An air pressure activated cylinder (9) acts on a hand brake release (5) to release the hand brake. An air line (13) directs pressurized air from a pressurized air source to the air cylinder. A valve (27) connected in the air line is responsive to the source air pressure. The valve is normally closed but opens when source air pressure reaches a level sufficient to release the air brakes on the car. A draft load sensor (29) is positioned in the air line between the valve and air cylinder. The sensor normally blocks the air line, but unblocks it when a sufficiently great draft load is sensed. The hand brake is released only if source air pressure is sufficiently high and the draft load on the railroad car is sufficiently great.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for automatically releasing a railroad car hand brake (HB) normally maintained in its applied position. An air pressure activated piston (11) acts on a hand brake release (5) to release the hand brake. An air conduit (13) directs pressurized air from a pressurized air source to the air cylinder. A normally closed first valve (25) is connected in the air conduit between the source and the air cylinder. A normally closed second valve (29) is connected in the air conduit between the source and a control inlet of the first valve. A sensor (33) senses an inertial load on the car and opens the second valve when the inertial load sensed exceeds a predetermined acceleration factor. Air pressure directed to the control inlet of the first valve through the second valve, when it is open, opens the first valve if the air pressure level is sufficiently great to release the air brakes of the car.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) having an operator's cab (12) which may be tilted to gain access to parts of the vehicle located beneath the cab, has a braking mechanism which automatically brakes the vehicle (10) when the cab (12) is tilted so that maintenance and tests may be conveniently performed on the components under the cab (12) while the engine is running. The mechanism consists of a pedal (34) and a linkage (40,44,48) carried by the cab (12). The linkage includes a lever arm (40), a rod (44) and a lever arm (48) connected to a brake actuating assembly. The pedal (34) and linkage are operated to activate the brake actuating assembly for conventional braking and are carried with the cab (12) during tilting of the cab to automatically activate the brake actuating assembly to set the brakes.

Abstract: A system for selectively controlling the flow of brake fluid to the brakes of a two or four wheel drive vehicle utilizes a separate solenoid valve on each brake fluid line leading directly to a driven wheel. The valves are normally open, and are operated by primary and secondary electrical switches arranged in series. The primary electrical switch must be physically depressed and held to be activated and the secondary switch which is separately connectible to each solenoid valve, is actuated by the primary switch in such a manner as to separately activate each solenoid valve to control the flow of brake fluid to the brake of each drive wheel.

Abstract: An uncoupling valve for use in rail car brake systems having a pressurized supervisory pipe includes opposed piston motors which hold the valve open long enough to depressurize the supervisory pipe and cause an emergency brake application, when two cars are uncoupled accidentally. On the other hand, the valve includes a controlled source of pressure for overpressurizing one of the piston motors to hold the valve closed to prevent depressurization of the supervisory pipe, when two cars uncoupled intentionally.

Abstract: An automatic safety brake system for use with the air brake system of a tank-type vehicle for transporting and delivering volatile liquids. The automatic safety brake system has a connector to which hoses are connected for delivering liquid to or from the vehicle tank. A port is formed in the connector and has one opening which is connected by a hose to the emergency air line of the vehicle air brake system. Another opening of the port is adapted to contact in sealing engagement with a removable sealing cap, the cap also covering the opening of the connector through which the liquid flows to and from the vehicle tank. Tightening of the sealing cap on the connector seals the port allowing pressure to build up in the emergency line of the vehicle air brake system. Loosening of the cap opens the port to atmosphere thereby exhausting the emergency line of the vehicle air brake system and automatically applying vehicle brakes.

Abstract: In a trash-collecting vehicle in which fork lifts raise the trash container into an elevated dumping position, a safety device is proposed which applies the vehicle parking brakes and thus immobilizes the vehicle against movement when the fork lifts are raised and thus are in a position capable of striking a ceiling projection, door frame, etc., or when a closure on top of the vehicle is also in a raised position and similarly is capable of striking a ceiling projection or the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a railway locomotive brake control apparatus operably either manually by an engineer or automatically in response to a change in a train control signal indication to a more restrictive indication to effect a brake application on the locomotive and a train of cars hauled thereby unless the automatic train control brake application is suppressed by the engineer manually effecting a full service brake application. When the engineer thus manually effects a full service brake application upon the occurrence of the more restrictive signal indication, the fluid under pressure released from the train brake pipe to cause this brake application is used to temporarily suppress the automatic train control brake application so long as fluid under pressure is being released from the train brake pipe to atmosphere via a restriction.